Interview

What motivates you most in a job?

•I've always been motivated by the desire to do a good job at whatever position I'm in. I want to excel and to be successful in my job, both for my own personal satisfaction and for my employer.

Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years?

•My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can. •I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related) professional associations. •Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical position to management. •In the XYZ Corporation, what is a typical career path for someone with my skills and experiences?

Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?

I am convinced that there would be no better place to work than _____. You provide your employees with the tools they need to stay competitive and sharpen their skills while working in an open, team-based environment.

What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?

I am very dependable, hard working, flexible, and I easily adapt to change.

Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

I initially inteded to complete the nursing program, but after many of the medical courses I started to see that I was in the wrong field. I went to career services for counseling to find a major that would best suit me. It was then I realized that computer science was a better fit for me. Computers have always fascinated me but it never occured to me to turn that interest into a career until recently.

How would you describe yourself?

I'm a creative thinker. I like to explore alternative solutions to problems and have an open mind about what will work best. I pay attention to all the details, and like to be sure that everything is just right. I enjoy solving problems, troubleshooting issues, and coming up with solutions in a timely manner.

How do you handle rejection?

I'm certainly realistic enough to appreciate that things don't always go the way one would hope or expect them to go and that the occasional disappointment is a fact of life. But I feel that what's most important is how one handles such circumstances. I endeavor to learn as much as I can from any possible failures; they really are excellent learning opportunities and they can be a blessing in disguise in that sense. And it's always important to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

What do you know about our organization or company?

Langdale College of Business Career Strategies Center has a mission to prepare students for life-long success by creating business career opportunities in collarboration with their University and community business partners. You are dedicated to providing students and alumni with the tools necessary for productive career development and job search.

What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?

Most important rewards to me are recognition for my efforts, financial rewards, challenges, and growth in my career. I'd like to be able to look back and see that I've accomplished something.

Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?

You should hire me because I can assure you that I am a fast learner. I can work with minimum supervision. I have the ability to be versatile and I am interested in developing my career by working with your company.

Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her.

The relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate should be professional, yet friendly. At one of my earlier jobs I had a supervisor who set a perfect example for what this relationship should be like. She always acted professionally but also seemed interested in her workers as people. For example, she made a point of asking us if we had a nice weekend and how things were going, but she never pried into our personal lives. She was friendly without trying to be our friend.

Define Cooperation

Voluntarily arrangement in which two or more entities engage in a mutually beneficial exchange instead of competing. Cooperation can happen where adequate resources for both parties exist or are created by their interaction.

What qualities should a successful manager possess?

A success manager demonstrates integrity, deals honestly and diplomatically, demonstrates flexibility, shows commitment and reliability, listens effectively, is a good negotiator, is a thorough planner, is fair, is able to promote a safe and happy work environment, and is able to accurately assess the skills, ablities, and personalities of their work team.

Can you name some weaknesses?

Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.

What qualifications do you have that will make you successful?

I believe I have a combination of qualities to be successful in this career. First, I have a strong interest, backed by a solid, well-rounded, state-of-the-art education, especially in a career that is technically oriented. This basic ingredient, backed by love of learning, problem-solving skills, well-rounded interests, determination to succeed and excel, strong communication skills, and the ability to work hard, are the most important qualities that will help me succeed in this career. To succeed, you also need a natural curiosity about how systems work. Technology is constantly changing, so you must be a fast learner just to keep up or you will be overwhelmed. All of these traits combine to create a solid team member in the ever-changing field of information systems. I am convinced that I possess these characteristics and am ready to be a successful team member for your firm.

What can you offer us?

I can offer passion. Without a passion for what you are doing, it is not possible to ideally perform your job. I have a desire to help others and develop as a professional. This desire will be the driving force behind my work efforts that directly translate into a knowledgeable, detail oriented, responsible employee with a desire for success. I have always learned if I am going to do something, I should put my greatest effort into it.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy writing poetry and playing the guitar.

Do your grades accurately reflect your ability?

I have focused much of my energy on work and obtaining real-world experience. I commend my classmates who have earned high GPAs, but I also feel it's important to be well-rounded. In addition to work experience, I participate in extracurricular activities in school. These activities teach me leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Sometimes my heavy load has not allowed me to keep up with some of my studies, but I have learned an enormous amount that I can apply in my future industry. As you will discover if you talk to my advisors, my ability to work effectively is much more reflective of my future potential than is my GPA.

Have you done the best work you are capable of doing?

I would be lying if I told you I was perfect, but I have always tackled assignments with all my energy and talents.

Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them?

My biggest failure was not being chosen for the Enactus Kenya Project. I wanted more than anything to be able to travel to Kenya this summer and help the natives face to face. But I'm glad I didn't because I may have overlooked an exciting opportunity to take some computer classes this summer to get a head start on my new major. I have learned to quickly find new opportunities when old ones are lost.

Describe your ideal job.

My ideal job is one where my knowledge and skills are put to good use. A job where I will learn and grow as a person and an employee, balance my family life, and where I am given challenges that test my potential.

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Kelli. In my previous experience, I relied on hard work and perseverance to accomplish my goals. I'm always focused and positive. I perform well and I love getting along with others, but I am also able to work efficiently on my own.

Define Success. Failure

Success is a direct result of failure. Human history teaches us this. The baby didn't start walking on the first step. Succeeding is the result of getting back up each time you fall. That's success!

Have you ever spoken in front of a group of people? How large?

Yes, I have spoken in front of groups of people on several occasions. The sizes vary because I have been in plays, presented projects, and have taken public speaking classes.

Have you had difficulty getting along with a former employer/professor/co-worker and how did you handle it?

Yes, I've worked with someone who I found difficult to like as a person. However, when I focused on the skills they brought to the job, their ability to solve problems and the things I did appreciate, slowly my attitude towards them changed. We were never friends, but we did work well together.

Do you plan to return to school for further education?

Yes. I plan to continue taking classes to keep current on the latest in computer programming and I am also planning to earn my MBA so that someday I can obtain a role in management.